<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p>My wonderful sister Becky and I are running the Brighton marathon in April 2012, in aid of Southend's Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).</p> <p>When pregnant with Louie I was found to suffer with Rhesus Disease, and although given the Anti D injection my antibody levels continued to rise resulting in an emergency c-section and Louie being born with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HND), with Harry the antibodies attacked much quicker resulting in weekly visits to Kings College Hospital for closer monitoring, again he was born via an emergency C-section with HND.&nbsp;</p> <p>Both were born at 34 weeks, and although they were both of a good weight for premature babies, it was a shock to see how small they looked with all the tubes and wires attached too them, they were placed in specialised incubators to help rid the jaundice and prevent long term damage.&nbsp; However, everyday seemed to bring about new challenges and it was often the case of one step forward and two steps back.&nbsp;</p> <p>After a few days we were able to hold the babies for a few minutes, which although was lovely was also scary. After two weeks we were able to take Louie home from hospital on various medication.&nbsp; With Harry it was a bit more turbulent and he required additional treatment and blood transfusions,but still after three weeks we were able to take our little 'bart Simpson' home, again with medication which the boys had to have for the first year of their lives.</p> <p>It was a very scary time and I don't know how we would have coped without the dedication and support from the SCBU team,as well as obviously from our amazing family and friends.&nbsp; We would like to raise money for SCBU to go towards specialist equipment for all the babies which unfortunately are either born too soon, or too poorly. Southend SCBU is an amazing resource and a dedicated unit, ensuring that in many cases those babies can be looked after in our own local hospital, easing the trauma for us as parents to know we can visit them regularly.</p> <p>Louie and Harry are now fantastic little boys with plenty of fun,mischief and energy to keep me busy.&nbsp; Dan and I said from day one we wanted to raise money for SCBU and now with Bec's and I having these marathon places it seems the ideal opportunity, and will keep us motivated.</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>